Ethnic differences between Goguryeo and the Malgal…

Ethnic differences between Goguryeo and the Malgal people native to Manchuria weaken Balhae by the early tenth century, however, just as Silla's power had begun to dissipate a century earlier when regional castle lords splintered central power and rebellions shook Silla's foundations.

While Balhae comes under severe pressure from Khitan warriors from Inner Asia (the region west and north of China proper), Silla's decline encourages a resurgent Baejhe under a leader named Kyonhwon to found Later Baekje at Chonju in 892, and another restorationist, named Kungye, to found Later Goguryeo at Kaesong in central Korea.

Wang Kon, the son of Kungye, who succeeds to the throne in 918, shortens the name to Goryeo and becomes the founder of a new dynasty (918-1392) by this name, whence comes the modern term "Korea."